Your child’s first visit to the dentist

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Published: Tuesday, June 24, 2014 4:39 p.m. CDT

By Stephanie Kohl

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Ronald Murphy DMD has been seeing kids for their first dental visit for more than 12 years. The Batavia dentist offers general and cosmetic dentistry. He recently chatted about children and their first visit to the dentist.

Question: How old does a child need to be for their first visit to the dentist? How do you know when it’s time to take them the first time?
Answer: Start them shortly after their first tooth erupts. Bring them with during your appointment so they know it’s a good place to visit.

Question: What should I expect for my child’s first visit to the dentist?
Answer: Taking a ride in the dental chair, seeing and meeting all of the fun tools we use. Maybe using a mirror just to look. Depends on the child,

Question: How do I explain dentistry to my child?
Answer: There are several awesome books that walk a child through what dentistry is: “My First Visit” (and) things of that nature really do explain it. (Also), just explaining why we brush and floss our teeth to keep them healthy so we can eat and smile (is important).

Question: What do I need to do prior to the first dental visit?
Answer: Get them used to opening their mouth and looking at their top teeth and bottom teeth and count them. Let them know the doctor will look at their teeth and count them just like at home.

Question: When should children start brushing, flossing, etc.?
Answer: Brushing, as soon as you can, even gently using it on the gums. Flossing is easier to do when you are doing it. The child will want to floss if you are flossing. Help them with it or make it a game. Floss holders are great for children because the dexterity is not there for string floss. There are chewing rings for when kids are teething that have a brush on it. This helps introduce a brush for their mouth.